A few years ago I set out to explore the way people laughed throughout this century. With the help of several grants and hundreds of Senior Citizens between the ages of 60 and 95, I not only gained insight into the ways they laughed but also into how we today can make ourselves happier. … Continue reading The Way We Laughed

"Laughter is the salt of personality. Its presence is an evidence of good nature, of the appreciation of the real values of life and a lack of tenseness. It is the most effective means of easing a difficult situation." -- George Gow It is generally agreed that good sense -- and a good sense … Continue reading Prevent Hardening of the Attitudes with Humor

"Morale -- the level of individual psychological well-being based on such factors as a sense of purpose and confidence in the future." It is not surprising that people feel demoralized these days. As our society continues through a social, political, and economic metamorphosis, many folks are caught in the midst of tremendous turmoil wrought … Continue reading Re-Moralizing Ourselves Through Humor

I'm researching an article based on the premise that the skills and practices that make Improv performers successful are relevant and applicable to lawyers. For example, both: need to stay focused on small bits of information while seeing the desired end-result; co-create narrative from disparate points of view; understand how empathy develops in an … Continue reading Lawyers as Improvisers? Is That an Oxymoron?